Thousands of illegal cannabis plants seized from Oakland industrial building

OAKLAND, Calif. ( KRON ) — A recent enforcement operation in the East Bay led to the seizure of 2,652 cannabis plants, equating to over $2.3 million worth of illegally cultivated cannabis from a single operation, according to the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC).

According to the Unified Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) — led by the DCC, along with the help of multiple local law enforcement partners — the enforcement operation occurred in an industrial building in Oakland’s Coliseum neighborhood.

In addition to the nearly 117 pounds of illegally cultivated cannabis plants, UCETF seized multiple bags of an illegal pesticide. The Alameda County’s Agricultural Commission said the pesticide identified contained isopocarp, “an unregistered pesticide that is toxic if inhaled or swallowed.”

Authorities said the enforcement operation also recovered other potentially harmful substances, including “unidentified liquids,” such as one labeled “Golden Eagle.”

“It is critical that any pesticide used on cannabis is registered and all laws and regulations are followed. Enforcing these laws protects people and the environment from potential risks and impacts associated with pesticide use,” the Department of Pesticide Regulation Deputy Director of Enforcement Ken Everett said.

According to UCETF, one person — who remained unidentified — was arrested for the unlicensed cultivation of cannabis, unlicensed possession of cannabis for sale, maintaining a drug house, and possession of an unregistered pesticide.

“Unlicensed cannabis, often grown with unknown illegal chemicals, threatens consumer safety and undermines the legal market. This operation marks another key move in targeting illegal operators,” said UCETF Chief Policy Coordinator Jaydeep Bhatia.

Gov. Newsom created the UCETF in 2022 to “increase cannabis enforcement coordination between state, local, and federal partners.” Since its inception, UCETF seized over $465 million worth of unlicensed cannabis, according to the governor’s office.

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